Living and working in WA's regional communities offers a unique and affordable lifestyle where there's no shortage of adventure. As a Senior Child Safety Practitioner/Officer at the Department of Communities, you'll play a vital role in supporting and protecting Western Australian children, young people, families and individuals who are at risk or in crisis, while enjoying the benefits of regional living.

Wheatbelt
Enjoy an affordable country lifestyle with Department housing available in many locations. With welcoming communities, stunning landscapes and easy access to Perth, some Wheatbelt towns are just an hour from the city, offering a relaxed commute and a slower pace of life. Opportunities are available in Northam, Narrogin, Merredin and Moora.

Great Southern
From breathtaking coastlines and award-winning wineries to thriving arts, festivals and outdoor adventure, the Great Southern offers an exceptional lifestyle. Department housing may also be available in some locations, helping you make the move to regional WA. Opportunities are available in Albany and Katanning.

South West
Experience one of Western Australia's most sought-after regions, renowned for its pristine beaches, towering forests, world-class wineries and vibrant communities. Opportunities are available in Bunbury, Busselton, Collie and Manjimup.

Wherever you choose, you'll enjoy a rewarding career with purpose while experiencing the very best of regional Western Australia.

More Than Just a Job!

At Communities we play a vital role in supporting and strengthening communities across Western Australia. We provide services and work with our partners to keep children safe, provide vital community services, including in emergencies, address homelessness, prevent family and domestic violence and provide stewardship for the disability sector. Our work also includes regulating early childhood education and care and leading initiatives across women’s interests, youth, seniors and ageing, carers, and volunteering.

Why Work With Us?

• We offer some of the most competitive public sector wages in Australia.
• We are a nationally recognised Accredited Carer Friendly Employer through the Carers + Employers program.
• Flexible work options – flexi leave, banked leave and public service holidays.
• More for your future – 12 per cent employer super contributions.
• Smart salary packaging – novated leases & work laptops.

Read more about the benefits of working with us.

This vacancy is being advertised for a period of 4 weeks, from Friday 14 August 2026, closing on Friday 11 September 2026 at 4pm.

Your Role. Your Impact.

Step into the world of Child Protection and Family Support, where your work is more than just a job.

As the Senior Child Safety Practitioner / Senior Child Safety Officer work in the areas of child protection, children in care and family support and is responsible for:

• responding to concerns regarding the safety and wellbeing of children and applying the provisions of the Children and Community Services Act 2004;
• taking legal action to promote the safety and wellbeing of children where necessary;
• undertaking case work activities of a complex nature and provide advice and expertise to District staff on the child safety and protection issues;
• providing services to children placed in the care of the CEO, including investigating serious concerns about the welfare and safety of children and taking action appropriate to the situation.
• assisting and planning with District staff and others to develop community and family capacity to provide a safe environment for children and other vulnerable people;
• developing and maintaining a high degree of knowledge and skills in providing services and supports to families and communities to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children and other vulnerable members of the community.

Visit Careers at Communities – our roles for more information.

We believe all our people are leaders, regardless of their role. Our Leadership Expectations, outlined in Building Leadership Impact, describe the behaviours and mindsets we value. The leadership context for this position is Leading Others.

If you’d like to know more about the team or the role, connect with Julie Mckenzie, District Director, on (08) 6277 4141.

For more details, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Opportunities Available

This recruitment pool may be used to fill various fixed term or permanent, full-time and part-time positions arising within the next 12 months across the Wheatbelt / Southwest / Great Southern regions.

Current opportunities for the Senior Child Safety Practitioner/Officer in Northam and Merredin.

Applicants will be considered for vacancies in the location of the advertised role/location preferences specified in their application.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work / Psychology / relevant human services area.
• Overseas qualifications must be assessed for Australian equivalency.
• Refer to our websitefor information about the qualification requirements for this role, and how we will be assessing your qualifications.

Which Position Do I Apply For?

Under our Child Protection Workforce Model, priority will be given to qualified applicants to maintain a qualified workforce. If no qualified applicant is found, we will then consider non‑qualified applicants. 

How to Apply – It’s Easy

Select “Apply for Job” and upload the following documents (Word or PDF only):

1. Your current resume/CV.
2. A short-written statement up to three [3] pages addressing all the Essential Work-Related Requirements (Selection Criteria) as stated on the JDF
3. A copy of your degree certificate and academic transcript (plus unit descriptors and/or overseas qualification assessment if applicable).
4. A copy of all qualification/s (regardless of the relevance to the role) as specified in your application or resume/CV (if applicable).

When applying, you will be prompt to select the Region you are interested in.

Equity and Diversity

Communities’ welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people with diverse sexualities and genders, youth, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Please let us know if there are adjustments we can make to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, as well as in the workplace. Please contact Margia Munoz, Human Resources Advisor on 0466 171 398 or via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Integrity and Honesty
In line with Communities policies, applicants may be asked for consent to undergo criminal record screening and integrity checks during the application process. To read more, click here.  

Need Assistance?

If you would like to discuss:

• adjustments,
• alternative formats,
• recruitment enquiries or,
• technical issues

Contact Margia Munoz, Human Resources Advisor on 0466 171 398 or via email on HRRecruitment@communities.wa.gov.au.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers

National Relay Service:
TTY/Voice: 133 677
Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727
SMS Relay: 0423 677 767

Privacy Notice
Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (PRIS Act). By submitting your application, you acknowledge the collection of your personal information. For further details on how your information is handled, please view our Privacy Policy.

Please note: This recruitment process may be closed or withdrawn at any stage. Applicants will be notified if this occurs.

Lodgement is system generated. Any emailed applications or late submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted.